Author: Kristyn Coutts
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Meet the 2026 Spotlight Prize Finalists
We’re thrilled to reveal the 40 talented performers selected for the 2026 Spotlight Prize. As the industry’s most prestigious showcase for emerging talent, the Spotlight Prize has long been a springboard for the next generation of world-class performers. This year, we’re evolving. To celebrate the diverse skills of the next generation, we’re debuting an expanded…
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Make the Most of Cannes and A-List Film Festivals
Unlock opportunities at Cannes and other A-list film festivals with these top tips from filmmaker Carla B. Guttmann. Carla B. Guttmann is an accomplished filmmaker and A-list festival coach whose career has spanned the international film circuit, from Los Angeles to Toronto. After a breakout debut that saw her treated as “festival royalty”, Carla faced…
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DABB: Opening Doors for Global Majority Performers
Find out about DABB, their impactful Generals Day and apply for the 2026 showcase. Diverse Actors Breaking Barriers (DABB) is an organisation dedicated to removing the gatekeeping that often sidelines global majority creatives. Founded by Suraj Shah in 2018, DABB focuses on the logistics of change: putting actors in the room with casting directors, offering…
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What’s Filming in the UK and Ireland this May
From ‘Elden Ring’ to ‘Bridgerton’, here’s a guide to the major productions filming across the Isles in May 2026. Blockbuster season is here! We’re spoilt for choice in both cinemas and on home entertainment. The musical biopic Michael is now in cinemas, Star Wars is back on the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu…
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Vocal Rescue Tips for Performers
Essential vocal troubleshooting tips for performers when a lesson isn’t an option. Most of us have been in this situation: you have a last-minute singing audition, your voice isn’t doing what it needs to do, and you don’t have the time and/or money for a lesson to resolve it. It’s a frustrating predicament. To make…
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A Guide to the New Spotlight Profile
Introducing your new-look Spotlight profile! A fresh, intuitive layout designed to put your talent centre stage. In this guide, you’ll find: Everything you need to know about our sleek profile redesign Detailed breakdown of new navigation tools and features Expert advice on optimising your profile’s highlights, media and skills sections Direct links to upcoming workshops…
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Alistair Nwachukwu: From Man of the Match to A Friend of Dorothy
From professional football to the Oscars, Alistair Nwachukwu discusses his remarkable journey.
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The Casting Professional’s Guide to the New Spotlight Profile
A streamlined, customisable profile designed to help you find the right talent, faster. The new Spotlight profile has been redesigned around the way you work. Our goal was to eliminate friction, helping you get a clearer – and faster – picture of a performer. This guide explores the key enhancements and how to customise your…
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Billy Barratt: From Emmy Breakout to ITV’s ‘Gone’ and ‘The Chaperones’
Billy Barratt discusses his latest roles in ITV’s ‘Gone’ and ‘The Chaperones’ and how he’s evolved five years after his historic Emmy win. The last time Spotlight sat down with Billy Barratt, he was a 13-year-old making history as the youngest-ever winner of an International Emmy. His haunting performance as ‘Ray’ in Responsible Child had…
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Daniel Edwards on Casting Directors Getting Their Red Carpet Moment
The role of casting directors and why their craft is finally being recognised at the Oscars this year. For decades, they have been the invisible department. You see the actor’s face, you hear the writer’s words and you marvel at the director’s vision, but the person who initially fused those elements together often remains in…